Patricia Tector’s passion for needlework is reflected in her work as a judge, teacher, and writer. She holds Judges’ Certification from both the National Academy of Needlearts (NAN), where she earned an Honors Scholarship and later achieved Master Level Certification, and the American Needlepoint Guild (ANG).

Patricia has judged national and regional exhibits, served as Administrator of The Exemplary, and directed NAN’s Judges’ Certification Program, helping to mentor the next generation of needlework judges. Patricia also serves as NAN’s long-standing liaison to the Gregg Museum of Art and Design at North Carolina State University, home of NAN’s Permanent Collection. In this role, she has curated exhibitions that highlight the artistic excellence and historical significance of NAN’s holdings.

An accomplished writer, Patricia has published articles in NANthology, Needlepoint Now, and Needle Pointers that cover topics such as artist statements, technique, critiques, finishing, compensation, and book reviews. With a B.S. in Biology from the University of Detroit, Patricia worked as a Medical Technologist before, as she says, “exchanging one form of needle for another.”

Patricia is committed to encouraging stitchers of all levels and welcomes every opportunity to support others—whether judging, teaching, or sharing her knowledge through writing.

Click on any image below for an expanded view and artist statement for each of Patricia’s designs.